6 Cheapest Ninja Air Fryers 2026

If you’re hunting for maximum bang for your buck, the Simple Deluxe 12-in-1 Air Fryer is a game-changer—especially with its massive 6.34-quart capacity and 1700W heating power. What truly sets it apart is the visible window with built-in light, letting you monitor meals without losing heat or interrupting cook cycles. For families or meal preppers, the 12 digital presets—ranging from dehydrate to bake—offer versatility rarely seen at this price point, making it ideal for those tired of juggling multiple appliances.

In real-world use, this air fryer handles large batches like a pro, crisping wings evenly and roasting vegetables with consistent browning thanks to its rapid air circulation system. The compact footprint (10.5″ x 12.9″ x 13.6″) fits neatly on most countertops, defying its large capacity. It excels on frozen foods and whole chickens (when halved), but struggles slightly with delicate dehydration tasks compared to dedicated models. The nonstick basket is a dream for cleanup, especially since it’s dishwasher-safe—though the sheer size means it takes up space in the rack.

Compared to the Ninja AF101, this model delivers more cooking space and features for less than half the cost, though it lacks the Ninja’s brand reputation and slightly more refined interface. It’s perfect for budget-conscious households wanting family-sized meals without clutter or complexity. While it doesn’t carry the Ninja name, it outperforms pricier rivals in capacity and functionality, making it a smarter pick for value seekers who prioritize results over branding.

The Ninja AF101 brings trusted performance to the entry-level arena, packing 4-in-1 functionality—Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate—into a compact 4-quart body. Its ceramic-coated nonstick basket resists scratches better than standard coatings, and the wide 105°F–400°F temperature range makes it uniquely capable of slow dehydrating while still crisping fries to golden perfection. For anyone tired of oil-laden snacks, this model delivers up to 75% less fat without sacrificing crunch—solving the classic ‘healthy vs. tasty’ dilemma.

During testing, it roasted chicken thighs with even crispiness and handled 2 lbs of frozen fries effortlessly in under 20 minutes. The convection heat distribution avoids hotspots, though the smaller basket can overcrowd with larger portions, requiring batch cooking for families. Dehydrating apple chips worked well after 6 hours, but results were less uniform than with dedicated dehydrators. The dishwasher-safe components simplify cleanup, though the exterior needs careful wiping to avoid smudges.

Against the CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini, the Ninja AF101 offers greater versatility and capacity, making it better for couples or small families. While the Chefman wins on price, the Ninja justifies its cost with durability and broader cooking options. It’s the best budget Ninja for users who want reliable brand engineering without overspending—delivering balanced performance, smart design, and long-term usability in one sturdy package.

With its ultra-slim silhouette and space-saving promise, the bella 4Qt Air Fryer is a countertop whisper in a world of bulky kitchen monsters. Its EverGood™ ceramic nonstick coating stands out by being free of PFAS, PFOA, and lead—making it a health-first choice for eco-conscious cooks. The 3.3 lb XL basket punches above its weight, fitting full meals for 2–4 people, while 1300 watts of circular heat ensures even crisping across fries, salmon, or chicken breasts.

In daily use, it excels at reheating pizza (crust stays crisp) and air-frying frozen snacks quickly, though dense meats like whole chicken breasts take longer to cook through. The 6 presets—including broil and dehydrate—are intuitive, but lack the precision of manual controls found on higher-end models. The 60-minute auto shutoff with audible tone adds peace of mind, especially for busy parents. However, the slim design limits airflow slightly, leading to mild unevenness when overloading the basket.

Compared to the Chefman 4 Qt, the bella model trades a bit of power (1300W vs 1500W) for superior aesthetics and chemical-free coating. It’s ideal for apartment dwellers, dorm rooms, or minimalist kitchens where design and footprint matter most. While it doesn’t match the Ninja in raw performance, it delivers elegance, safety, and efficiency in one sleek package—making it a standout for those who value form and function in equal measure.

The Chefman 4 Qt Air Fryer is a crisp-craving machine, thanks to its 450°F Hi-Fry Technology that delivers a final burst of heat for that golden, restaurant-style crunch. With 1500 watts of power and touchscreen presets, it outpaces many budget models in both speed and browning control—perfect for chicken tenders, wings, or frozen tater tots. The shake notification is a smart touch, ensuring even crispness by reminding you to toss food mid-cycle, solving one of the biggest pain points in air frying.

In real-world tests, it cooked frozen fries in 14 minutes with exceptional crispiness and minimal oil splatter. The 4-quart basket fits 2–4 servings, making it ideal for couples or small families, and its narrow design saves counter space without sacrificing capacity. Cleanup is effortless—both basket and rack are dishwasher-safe, and the matte-black finish resists fingerprints. However, the interior light is missing, so checking food means opening the drawer and losing heat.

When stacked against the Ninja AF101, this Chefman model matches it in capacity and surpasses it in max temperature, though it lacks the Ninja’s dehydrate precision. For budget-focused buyers who want maximum crisp with minimal effort, this is the smartest affordable pick. It delivers pro-level crunch and thoughtful features at a fraction of the cost of premium brands—making it a top-tier value performer in the sub-$50 arena.

The CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer is tiny but mighty, engineered for singles, students, or minimalists who refuse to compromise on crisp. Its 900W power and 400°F max heat may sound modest, but they deliver fast, even cooking—up to 3x quicker than a conventional oven—making it perfect for quick lunches or late-night snacks. The square basket design maximizes space, fitting more food than round models of similar size, while the shake reminder ensures golden results without guesswork.

In practice, it crisps up frozen nuggets in 10 minutes and roasts a small sweet potato in 18—ideal for solo meals. The compact size slips into cabinets or dorm fridges, and the digital timer with auto shutoff adds safety and convenience. It’s not meant for families, and batch cooking is necessary for more than 2 servings, but for efficiency and footprint, it’s unmatched. The nonstick basket cleans easily in the dishwasher, though the small capacity means you’ll use it daily—not just occasionally.

Versus the larger Chefman 4 Qt, this mini version trades power and size for ultimate portability and storage ease. It’s the best overall for 1–2 person households where kitchen real estate is precious. While the Ninja AF101 offers more functions, this model wins on simplicity, speed, and space-saving, proving that small appliances can deliver big satisfaction—especially when you need fast, healthy meals without clutter.

The Ninja AF141 is a powerhouse performer that blends 5-quart capacity with 400°F superheated air to deliver restaurant-level crispness at home. Its Air Crisp Technology ensures food is cooked evenly from all sides, eliminating the need for constant shaking—especially effective on frozen fries and chicken wings, which come out steaming hot and uniformly golden. With the ability to fit up to 4 lbs of fries or 5 lbs of wings, it’s built for families or entertaining, solving the “not enough space” frustration common in smaller models.

In real-world use, it transitions seamlessly from air frying frozen nuggets to dehydrating banana chips, though the latter takes longer than dedicated dehydrators. The nonstick basket and crisper plate wipe clean easily or go in the dishwasher, and the space-saving design fits neatly despite its large capacity. It reheats leftovers better than microwaves—pizza crust stays crisp, and burritos heat evenly. However, the control panel lacks a light or window, so checking progress requires opening the basket and losing heat.

Compared to the AF101, the AF141 offers larger capacity and improved airflow, making it ideal for families or frequent entertainers. While it costs the same, it delivers more value through size and performance. It’s the best mid-range Ninja for those who want pro-level results without stepping into premium pricing—offering power, versatility, and reliability in a sleek, efficient package that outshines many competitors in its class.